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The end of SEAL Team has arrived, and the series finale delivered all the emotional weight fans anticipated. After seven gripping seasons, Paramount+’s military drama, created by Benjamin Cavell, came to a close in October 2024. The journey has been intense, with high-stakes missions and personal struggles, but surprisingly, every beloved character made it through—and, in a twist few saw coming, no one met a tragic fate despite some nail-biting moments in Afghanistan.
It’s always tough to say goodbye, especially when it’s to a show that has continually gripped audiences and raised the stakes with each season. SEAL Team, is the military drama that has captured hearts and minds and has aired its seventh and final season.
From its debut in September 2017, SEAL Team captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Navy SEALs, blending the grit of warfare with the personal challenges these elite soldiers face. The seventh and final season brought all these elements to a head, especially for Jason Hayes (David Boreanaz), who wrestled with the emotional and psychological toll his years in combat had taken on him.
A Look Back at Season 7
Throughout the final season, Jason’s internal conflict came to the forefront. Haunted by his actions and the trauma of war, he began to believe that he was nothing more than a killing machine for the U.S. government—a tool in a never-ending cycle of violence. His growing disillusionment seemed to point toward a dark ending for the character, with many fans predicting that Jason might die or resign from his role as Bravo 1.
In the series’ final hour, Jason’s struggles came to a head, but thanks to the support of those closest to him—Mandy Ellis (Jessica Paré) and Ray Perry (Neil Brown Jr.)—he found the strength to rise above the darkness. Their advice and steadfast belief in his value beyond the battlefield helped Jason realize that war does not define him, and he chose to keep fighting—not just for his country, but for himself. In the end, Jason Hayes did not meet the tragic fate many expected. Rather than bowing out or succumbing to his demons, Jason remained as Bravo 1, his mission far from over. The finale closed with Jason still part of the Navy SEALs, standing strong in his leadership role, ready to face whatever the future holds. It’s a surprising but satisfying conclusion for a character who has spent so much of the series grappling with his identity and purpose.
The decision to give Jason—and the rest of the team—a hopeful ending stands in contrast to many military dramas, where the harsh realities of war often lead to tragic consequences. SEAL Team honoured the sacrifices and struggles of its characters without stripping them of hope for the future, a choice that resonated deeply with its loyal fanbase.
Why Is SEAL Team Ending After Season 7?
The announcement of the show’s conclusion came in November 2023, confirming that SEAL Team would not be returning for season 8. This revelation hit hard, especially as fans were also told that a planned SEAL Team movie had been “quietly shelved.” The film, which
was in development since February 2022, was intended to expand the universe of the show, but those plans have since been scrapped.
So, why end such a successful show?
As is often the case with long-running series, SEAL Team appears to have reached a natural conclusion. The series shifted from CBS to Paramount Plus, where it ultimately saw its cancellation.
Executive producers Spencer Hudnut and Christopher Chulack acknowledged the bittersweet decision in a joint statement: “It has been a privilege to tell stories over seven seasons that honour the bravery and heroism of all who serve our country. We are deeply grateful to our amazing group of actors, writers, directors, and talented crew, especially the hundreds of veterans who have worked on this show.”
They added, “While we wish we could continue to shine a spotlight on areas where we can do better for our service members even after season 7 comes to an end, it is our hope that the collective SEAL Team community will stay in the fight when it comes to protecting our protectors.”
David Boreanaz on Saying Goodbye to Jason Hayes
For series lead and executive producer David Boreanaz, SEAL Team has always been more than just a role—it’s been a tribute to those who serve in the military and Special Operations Forces. “For six seasons, I have been fortunate and blessed to be a part of an outstanding cast and crew,” Boreanaz shared. “Every day spent was a note of thanks to our men and women in the military and Special OPS. I thank our fans, and I’m proud we were able to make this show to shine light in the darkness toward so many suffering today.”
It’s clear that the end of SEAL Team was something Boreanaz had prepared for mentally long before production began on the final season. “In preparation, before the season even started, it was imprinted on me saying, ‘For me, the character’s done, I’m done playing the series, I’m done with the show regardless if you want to go on or not,’” Boreanaz explained. “I had made that decision early on. Then the writers’ strike hit, and some months passed by. I had come to that fruition before it even started.”
The Legacy of SEAL Team
As the curtain has fallen on SEAL Team, the show leaves behind a legacy of authenticity, action, and emotional depth. The series not only thrilled audiences with its intense, well-executed missions but also portrayed the deeply human side of soldiers—men and women who face immense personal challenges both on and off the battlefield.
Though the show has ended, the journey of Jason Hayes, the Bravo Team, and all the characters will remain a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. With a finale that balanced hope and realism, SEAL Team bowed out on a high note, offering a satisfying conclusion to a series that consistently raised the stakes.
For fans, saying goodbye is bittersweet, but they can take comfort in knowing that the characters they’ve followed for years found peace—and their missions, like the show itself, live on in spirit.